Paul McCartney Receives French Legion of Honor Award in Paris

Mary McCartney/MPL Communications Ltd.Paul McCartney received France's Legion of Honor award on Saturday at a private ceremony at Paris' Elysee Palace. The Beatles legend was presented with the prize by French President Francois Hollande, who raised McCartney to an Officer in the Legion in acknowledgement of his career musical contributions.

In recognition of the honor, McCartney received a special medal that Hollande pinned on his jacket. According to The Telegraph, the French president quipped during the ceremony that he preferred The Beatles to The Rolling Stones. A number of McCartney's friends and family members attended the event.

The Legion of Honor is the highest civilian award presented in France. Very few British citizens have been recipients of the honor.

Later that same day, McCartney traveled back to the U.K. to make a guest appearance at the African Express concert, which was held in London and featured a wide variety of artists from Britain, Africa and the United States. The Guardian reports that Sir Paul played a pair of tunes at the show -- "Coming Up" and "Goodnight Tonight." Among the stars joining McCartney on stage were Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones and Blur's ***** Albarn.